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Bourjois Bakelite An Evening in Paris Novelty Perfume Bottle Holders

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The Bourjois Bakelite novelty perfume bottle holders represent a confluence of art and functionality in fragrance packaging, capturing the imagination of consumers from the early to mid-20th century. One of the most notable collections was the 1940s “An Evening in Paris” (Soir de Paris) range, an epitome of whimsy and elegance intertwined. We take a look at the Bourjois Bakelite An Evening in Paris Novelty Perfume Bottle Holders along with some realised prices at auction.

A collection of 1940s An Evening in Paris by Bourjois Bakelite novelties
A collection of 1940s An Evening in Paris by Bourjois Bakelite novelties. Including including boxed “Hotel Door”, and unboxed “Hotel Door”, owl, longcase clock, slipper, lucky horseshoe, egg, and scallop shells in both blue and white. Sold for £200 at Anderson and Garland, May 2023.

Bakelite, an early plastic that was resistant to heat and electricity, was widely used in the 1940s for its durability and versatility. Bourjois leveraged the benefits of Bakelite to craft an assortment of creative perfume bottle holders, turning everyday objects into miniature pieces of art. This innovation not only added a novelty element to their perfumes, but also contributed to the brand’s unique identity.

In the “An Evening in Paris” range, each holder symbolized a facet of a romantic, possibly enigmatic, Parisian evening. Among the memorable designs were an owl, a hotel door, and a grandfather clock, each intriguing in their own right.

The owl, traditionally associated with wisdom and mystery, was a delightful metaphor for the allure of Paris after dark. Its wise gaze seemingly hinted at the unseen stories that unfold on the cobbled streets of the City of Light – maybe. The owl holder is a mottled blue colour, with inset eyes, opening to reveal the space for the bottle. It measures about 9.5cm in height.

The front door, intricately detailed to resemble a classic Parisian entryway, served as a portal, inviting consumers to experience the charm and sophistication inherent in the Parisian lifestyle. It suggested the beginning of an enchanting journey through the alluring cityscape – maybe. As with the owl the Hotel Door comes in mottled blue colour with some versions varying in shade. The hotel door has the letter B on it and the room has a name Evening in Paris. It even has two pair of shoes outside ready for cleaning.

A small bottle of Bourjois Evening in Paris perfume, in blue bakelite case in the form of a door.
A small bottle of Bourjois Evening in Paris perfume, in blue bakelite case in the form of a door. Sold for £20 at Lacy Scott & Knight, March 2019.

Lastly, the grandfather clock represented the timeless allure of Paris, a city as eternal as the scent itself. The clock, with its timeless charm, was symbolic of the moment one embarks on a Parisian adventure, when time stands still, and the world becomes a playground of sensory experiences – maybe.

A Bourjois bakelite perfume container in the form of a Grandfather Clock An Evening in Paris Collection
A Bourjois bakelite perfume container in the form of a Grandfather Clock An Evening in Paris Collection. The clock face reads Evening in Paris.

The Bourjois Bakelite novelty perfume bottle holders, especially the “An Evening in Paris” range, encapsulate the art of storytelling through product design. It is a lovely little collection and still affordable to collect.

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